How to add a new word to Microsoft Excel's dictionary

When creating a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, you can use the included tool to make sure all of your words are spelled right. Sometimes, Excel does not recognize correctly-spelled words because they're not included in its dictionary data. Consequently, you must add them manually.

In Microsoft Excel, there are two ways to add a new word to the dictionary. Select a link below for the method you want to use and follow the steps provided.

Add new word through a custom dictionary

1. In the Ribbon, click the File tab, then click Options.
2. In the Excel Options window, click the Proofing option in the left navigation pane.
3. Under the When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs header, make sure the box is unchecked for the Suggest from main dictionary only option.
4. Click the Custom Dictionaries button.
5. In the Custom Dictionaries window, select the dictionary set as the default dictionary, then click the Edit Word List button.

6. Type the word you want to add in the Word(s) text field.
7. Click the Add button to add the word to the Microsoft Excel dictionary.

8. Click the OK button on each of the open windows to save the dictionary changes.

Add new word during a spell check

1. To run spell check in an Excel spreadsheet, in the Ribbon, click Review, then click Spelling, or push the F7 button on your keyboard.
2. In the Spelling window that opens, any misspelled words appear. If the word is valid, click the Add to Dictionary option.